Step 2: Initial Weight Calculation

Now that you have your initial parts list, you need to do some digging to find weight/mass of each part. While we title this step "Initial Weight Calculation" you most likely find masses listed in grams. Given that weight is just mass multiplied by the gravitational acceleration constant "g", mass in grams with be just fine. We do recommend calculating the weight from the mass for your own benefit, especially if grams or kilograms aren't intuitive to you. (In fact, if you live at an especially extreme altitude you will be thankful for sticking to grams because weight will be subject to a possible change in "g" but we digress.)

Now add up all of the masses in grams to find the total estimated mass of your quadcopter. We recommend using spreadsheet software like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. You find this number very, very important as we get into the fun stuff in subsequent steps. Again don't worry to much about this number for now. It will be subject to change. As you refine your design you will want to make sure to include everything that comprises your quadcopter including any additional wires, screws, etc. Howevever, you may not need any of those miscellaneous items depending on the connections among your eqiupment.

We have included our weight estimate below for your reference.